Proud to be Human, the Oscars

Every year the Oscars show is like the Super Bowl for me as one who follows actors, directors, script writers, move-maker/story-tellers. My sense is that a movie is a collective dream, demonstrated as a shamanic necessity and gift by those who participate in them no matter how aware they are or aren’t of their role at that level. I very much respect the people who bring our deep stories to awareness in such ways. Persons in the movie industry are often rightfully accused of vanity and profiteering, but I say also look closer. Passion is deep for those who persist, and most know that their life is one of sacrifice for their art and intention more than for profit.

In days before we had our current access to media, acting out dreams of people in the village was a regular and revered ritual. Later came theatre – travelling troupes who told the stories. Then came the printing press and the radio. Now we have films. The absolute necessity and desire for someone to tell our stories is as old as time.

Highlight moments from tonight’s awards are individual and I look forward to hearing the stories. My favorite moments include: Kirk Douglas, even after his stroke, being loved and adored by the community when he gave an award; Christian Bale, who I fell in love with as a person and an actor almost 20 years ago finally getting acknowledged, and turning over that acknowledgement to bring attention to the many films and performances that don’t have the backing, attention and representation that create an Oscar’s moment; Randy Newman getting best song after 20 nominations this year and decades of inspiring us with his music; the guy who got the film editing award who told his daughter to follow what she loves doing – but a persons like David Fincher are also essential; Gywneth Paltrow’s brave singing performance; Tom Hooper who told the story that his mother recommended he look at the script for The King’s Speech which made him an Oscar winner; Natalie Portman for being so talented and authentic, winning hand’s down the best actress Oscar; Annette Bening for being such a consistently great actress and icon, and for losing again with joy and dignity; and finally for the kids from Staten Island who came to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to close the show; for their leader who taught them to sing, the Academy for caring for the children’s passionate talent, and the airlines and travel people that made their visit possible. I know I sound like a commercial, but jeez, sometimes people do us proud!

Tonight all of that love was served personally to me in my little mountain living room, as it is all through the year as I hear the stories through films. I feel grateful and proud to be human tonight, and want to give homage.